Glen Ellyn trustees voted 4-2 to approve $196,000 for the trade-in and purchase of 87 new golf carts for the Village Link Golf Course at its board meeting on Feb. 11.

However, some members expressed concern over waiving competitive bidding for the purchase.

"I'm uncomfortable with this. I think we could've taken more steps to make this more competitive," said Trustee Peter Ladesic, who was one of two opposing votes.

Village Recreation Director Matt Pekarek said there are only three dealers in the Chicago area, and the department got proposals from each one. Going out for competitive bidding would've forced the department to pick a specific set of specifications, he said, instead of allowing staff to explore broader options and technology, such as electric golf carts.

"I don't feel like we're getting a high price," he told trustees.

In the past, the course on Winchell Way had been replacing parts of its fleet every eight years. In 2008, after realizing that the carts retain high trade-in value, the recreation department decided to start trading in its fleet after four years and using the higher value to purchase new golf carts, Pekarek said.

The cost is roughly the same, and the department cut operating expenses from $20,000 a year down to $5,000 because of lower maintenance and the manufacturer's four-year warranty, he said. The village opted to stick with gas-powered carts.

"Golf carts have become an amenity for golfers," Pekarek said. "Forty percent of all golf rounds are played at the Village Links are with a golf cart."

Ladesic wondered if it was wise to hold off for another year so there was more time to weigh options.

Pekarek warned trustees that research showed the four-year cycle is the most financially wise time for a trade-in and the carts lose value each following year.

"I think Director Pekarek laid out a pretty good economic case for doing this now," said Trustee Carl Henninger, who voted yes.

Some trustees, such as Carl Henninger and board president Mark Pfefferman cautioned that they were uncomfortable with waiving the competitive bidding process, although both also voted yes on the motion.

During the meeting, trustees also approved $64,300 for new restaurant furniture for the Village Links Clubhouse. It is part of the golf course's $6.3 million makeover, which will be paid with $5 million in bonds and reserves.

Renovations at the 18-hole course include a new banquet facility, an addition to its clubhouse, new parking, new restrooms and a patio. Pekarek says the work should be finished sometime in June. The course is expected to open in early March, as it typically does, weather permitting, he said.